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Politics & Government

Co-Chair of TCPG Resigns

Jim Beall follows Mike Hobbs out the door, Jeb Walker announced at today's Town Center Planning Group meeting.

Jim Beall, co-chair of the Town Center Planning Group has submitted his resignation, First Selectman Jeb Walker revealed at Monday's regular meeting of the committee.

Today's announcement follows Mike Hobbs' resignation last week. The three remaining committee members and Town Planner Steve Kleppin, took questions from the public as they gathered around a conference room in the Lapham Community Center.

Questions from the audience began with the dwindling numbers of the TCPG. While she said that she thought it would be advisable, remaining Chair Christine Wagner deferred to Walker on the question of adding additional members.

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"It's going to be hard to get good people to serve if they're subjected to the things that went on," Walker said. 

Questions from the audience quickly moved on to the issues that have been raised at previous meetings, with many focussing on the role of the library in overall town planning. 

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Fred Chang commented that he thought there was a lack of coordination between the town and library. "I can't fathom why the library has been somewhat secretive about the process they are going through," he said. "The library board needs to recognize that without the town's financial support they don't have a leg to stand on." 

TCPG member Penny Rashin said she thinks the library has actually been open with their plans. She referenced the report which can be found on the library website and said, "I think they've been a good citizen in coming to the town and trying to find a solution that's mutually beneficial." She went on to say, "One of the things that's encouraging about this debate is that people love New Canaan and the downtown. They're committed to keeping its character.  We may not see things the same way, but I think everyone has their heart in the right place."

Another audience member expressed support for the need for planning, both on the part of the library and town. She went on to say that she felt that the ramifications for the town must be considered in any library plans. On the criticism of the plans the library has put forth she said, "The best way to dispel gossip is to be open about what's being planned."

Wagner emphasized that the library has so far only done a conceptual study. On the work of her committee she said, "I really hope that we can get to the planning. Right now we're just talking about planning."

At that point, the committee moved to executive session for the remainder of the meeting.

 

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